American Red Cross Stark County Chapter-Funded by the Ohio Department of Health to provide free HIV Risk Reduction presentations to the community with an emphasis on youth ages 13-24. Volunteer opportunities and training are also available. 525 Market Ave N Canton OH 44702, 330-453-0146 X118 or meekerre@stark.redcross.org.
5 CHAPS -Formed by concerned citizens in 1997 to distribute personal hygiene products to persons with HIV. Takes place the 2nd Saturday of the month from 10am-12noon. Please send all donations to 115 Dewalt Ave NW Suite 201, Canton Ohio 44702. We are not licensed to handle food items. We are glad to accept: toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent, paper towels, bleach, individual soap, shampoo. For more information or to arrange a donation, call 330-833-5565.
Alliance Department of Public Health -Funded by the Ohio Department of Health to provide HIV testing and counseling with referrals. 537 E Market Ave. Alliance OH 44601, 330-821-7373
Canton City Health Department -Funded by the Ohio Department of Health to provide HIV testing, counseling and referrals. STD testing on Tuesday and Friday, 8:00-10:30, HIV testing Wednesday from 1:30-3:00 and the 2nd Thursday of the month from 4:00-6:45. 420 Market Ave. N Canton OH 44702, 330-489-3322
Community Services of Stark County, Inc. - Housing Assistance for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). This financial assistance program provides rent, mortgage and utility assistance to personw with HIV/IDS who are at or below 80% of area median income. The program focuses on self-sufficiency and assisting individuals and families to access and maintain safe, decent and affordable housing in Stark, Wayne, Holmes, Carroll and Tuscarawas Counties. 330-456-2650.
Positive Connections - For details about the HIV support groups contact Joy Dougan at 330-489-3322.
Dr. Fiorentino and Dr. Al Nemr - Offers treatment options to those infected with HIV. In addition provides referrals to various other community resources. 128 Wertz Ave. NW, Canton OH 44708, 330-454-7722
The Red Ribbon Connection- A non-profit fund-raising agency that is dedicated to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS through awareness and education. We also earmark some of your funds for other needs in our community as well. Some of the organizations that have been helped over the years include: Ohio AIDS Coalition, 5 CHAPS, Planned Parenthood, Bishop's Plea, Violet's Cupboard, Iron Eagle's Christmas Fund, food vouchers have also been given to 5 CHAPS to hand out for the holidays. The major fund-raiser is the January dinner/auction/show at the Mariott McKinley Grand. Please feel free to contact President MeLissa Franjesh at 330-455-3835 or e-mail at friends4lifeinc@yahoo.com. or PO Box 9050, Canton, OH 44711.
Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church -Funded by the Ohio Department of Health to provide HIV Risk Reduction presentations to Communities of Faith and the African American community. 1909 3rd St. NE, Canton OH 44704, 330-454-3298.
Planned Parenthood of North East Ohio -Funded by the Ohio Department of Health to provide anonymous or confidential HIV and STD testing to both women and men. 2663 Cleveland Ave NW, Canton OH 44709, 330-456-5329
Stark Regional HIV Prevention and Education Planning Advisory Group -Volunteer group that is intended to improve the effectiveness of local programs by strenghtening prevention interventions. This group meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at The American Red Cross Stark County Chapter, 525 Market Ave. N Canton OH 44702 from 5:30-7:00. Call Pam Gibbs at the Canton City Health Department for more information, 330-489-3322.
Tri-County AIDS Coalition - a 501-C3 organizataion founded in 1992 by a group of friends to raise funds and community awareness for those affected by HIV-AIDS. Responsible for several yearly fundraising activities including "An Evening of Entertainment and Illusion" held in January, the annual Spaghetti Dinner held in February, The "Hall of Flame" Pageant and Barbie Q held in July, and our "Week of Hope" to be held in the fall of each year. Tri-County Aids Coalition announces its new community program division called C.H.A.I.N. (Community Hands Aiding Individual Needs) and our new "back to school" fundraiser for HIV families to be held in June. Tri-County and its officers and members are dedicated to serving the needs of the community through awareness, education and love. For more information, P.O. Box 9569, Canton, Ohio 44711 or call 330-933-0124
Trillium Family Solutions -HIV/AIDS Case Management and Comprehensive Risk Counseling and Services. 624 Market Ave. N, Canton OH 44702, 330-454-7066
CRCS, Comprehensive Risk Counseling and Services supports efforts in improving community health by offering personalized HIV risk reduction counseling.
The primary goal of this program, as defined by the CDC, is to, “help HIV - positive and HIV - negative individuals who are at high risk for HIV transmission or acquisition to reduce risk behaviors and address the psychological and medical needs that contribute to risk behavior or poor health outcomes.”
CRCS was formally known as Prevention Case Management and offers intensive, multi-session HIV risk and behavior change counseling. Individuals are assessed for specific risks and psychological needs so that a personalized prevention plan can be developed. The second component of the program is to offer assistance in connecting with additional services that will support healthy behavior changes.
If you are interested in assistance in reducing your risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV or if you are a professional, who is interested in referring clients to the program, please feel free to contact me for more information. I also am available to do on-site educational programs in regard to HIV transmission and the CRCS program.
The success of this program, reducing transmission of HIV and improving the health of our community is dependent upon us working together to support healthy behavior choices.
You Are Not Alone-
If you have ever wanted to talk to someone about HIV...
If you have a family member infected with HIV and you have questions or concerns...
If you are HIV positive and need someone to talk to...
If you have been affected by HIV/AIDS in any way and need to reach out to someone...
Call Diane at 330-685-5751. All calls are confidential! providing resources as needed.
www.starkcommunitycalendar.com - log on for a list of activities, events and programs in the Stark County area.
